Archbishop Sartain, as Vatican delegate, tells LCWR he comes as a friend

Archbishop James Sartain of Seattle, the Vatican-appointed delegate supervising the reform of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR), told members of the group that he was “also here as your brother and friend,” in an address to the LCWR convention.

The archbishop, who was appointed in April 2012 to oversee reforms, after the Vatican found significant doctrinal problems with the LCWR, said that he felt progress had been made in his discussions with leaders of the group, which represents about 80% of the women religious in the US. “We have developed a wonderful respect for one another,” he said.

Some LCWR leaders have expressed resentment of the Vatican’s criticisms and of Archbishop Sartain’s participation in this week’s convention. Such criticisms were muted, however, during the archbishop's address.

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As expected, one on the sisters said that she, "did not think LCWR’s leaders had had enough meetings with the archbishop to be considered friends." How sad that those who give their lives to the Church obviously haven't learned to give of themselves to each other.